Another Pointer Problem

   Laser pointers. It seems you see them everywhere these days. They're supposed to be used to do what they're designed for: Point at things during business presentations. They're also great animal toys, where Fluffy or Fido can chase that little dot across floors etc.
   But there's a big downside to them as well. It's been well documented, even in Saskatchewan, where unscrupulous people have been using them to "paint" the fight deck of aircraft taking off or landing. In some parts of the world, the goal is simply to blind the pilots and bring the aircraft down.
   An incident last night now 'points' out the need to haul these things back in. It happened during the NHL game between Montreal and Boston, who are old "Original 6" rivals. Someone aimed a pointed at the face mask of Bruins goalie Tukka Rask, trying to distract him.
   Rask says he didn't notice it, even though video clearly shows a green dot on his mask. Rask did say he saw it being directed elsewhere during the game in Montreal.
   What earthly purpose does this serve? Maybe I'm being naive, but is it really necessary to try and blind your opponent? Which can happen with these devices. It now also brings up the 'revenge' factor. What's going to happen when the Canadiens visit Boston next? Are fans there going to respond in kind? I hope not.
   The question of what to do to halt any further incidents will likely also be raised, and if it means people need to pass through a metal detector or empty their pockets, purses or what have you, then so be it if it means safety for the players. Perhaps another way of curbing their use is forfeiture of the game.
   And to the perpetrator: Get a life! It's just a hockey game.

TTFN